Tiptoe through the…

I wanted to send some thoughts to you regarding the ukulele– a friendly four-string instrument “invented” by the Portuguese and made famous by Cliff “Ukulele Ike” Edwards, Arthur Godfrey, Tiny Tim, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, and now Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam!
George Harrison used to break them out when “the boys” came over to visit, and President Obama even owns one. I’ve been to the East Village Art Walk to see some high school kids playing them.
Well, to make a long story nauseating, wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone owned one and played? Sounds crazy, but it’s amazing what a therapeutic tool it is.
I’ve been playing for a long time, and you’d be surprised what a magnet it is when someone sees it. I’ve been asked by many a stranger to play. I tell ’em it sounds better in the case, but they listen anyway.
Bring a smile to a friend or stranger, get an ukulele. They’re taking the country by storm!
Ron Petke
Mediocre ukulele player
Long Beach